Mangaluru Jan 11: Mangaluru city mayor, Bhaskar Moily, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the three-day All India Open Badminton Tournament titled 'Mangala Cup 2019' organised by Mangala Badminton Association here at US Mallya Indoor Stadium on Friday, January 11.

Addressing the gathering, Bhaskar Moily said, "Mangala Badminton Association has been encouraging badminton sport by regularly organizing events like this one. When everyone comes together in organizing events like Mangala Cup, promotion of badminton sport becomes a reality. Sports need to be part of our day-to-day life as it helps one to be physically and mentally fit. More than winning or losing, participation in sports is very important as it builds self confidence."

Additional deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada district, Kumar, said," Mangala Badminton Association has been doing an appreciable job and has actively been promoting sports. This also educates the participants to promote sports. The individuals who are involved with sports activities are different from others as they stay physically fit and mentally agile. Sports activity should be one of our main hobbies in life.”

Chairman of Sri Devi group of educational institutions, A Sadananda Shetty, said," the Badminton Association under the leadership of its president, C S Bhandary, has conducted tournaments which encourage sports enthusiasts and provide platform for the participants to get recognition at the national level".

Prior to the formal function, Mangala Badminton Association took out a procession from Mangaluru City Corporation to US Mallya indoor stadium. ACP Mangaluru central division, Bhaskar V B, flagged off the procession.

Around 500 participants have registered themselves for this three- day tournament. Participants from Karnataka, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Maharashtra are taking part in Mangala Cup 2019.